Australian Institute of Sport athlete Robin Bell has created history in winning an Olympic Games bronze medal in Beijing.

The AIS scholarship holder, who hails from Sydney in New South Wales, became the first Australian male to win an Olympic whitewater medal with bronze in the C1 final.

Four years ago Bell finished fourth at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

But in Beijing he has finally come away with the medal he has worked a lifetime to achieve.

‘It’s an awesome feeling,’ Bell said.

‘After I finished my run I was sitting down the bottom watching the other competitors thinking am I going to miss out again?’

‘But thankfully I’ve come away with an Olympic medal and the feeling is unbelievable.’

Bell's outstanding Beijing achievement follows seven years of dedication and training at the Australian Institute of Sport.

‘The AIS has been outstanding in helping me achieve my Olympic dream.’ Bell said.

‘The support of our coaches, doctors and sports scientists has really been fantastic.’

Bell's coach, Myriam Fox, has paid tribute to the 30-year-old's tremendous achievement.

'To win an Olympic Games bronze medal takes hours and hours of training and perseverance.' Fox said. 'Robin has worked really hard to achieve this great result for Australia.'

AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker paid tribute to the Bell’s persistence and determination.

'This result is an outstanding success for Robin and for the AIS canoe slalom program,' Fricker said

'The bronze medal is a real testament to Robin’s personal commitment to his sport and the training program here at the AIS.’

The Australian Institute of Sport was established in 1981, and has consistently contributed to Australia’s outstanding sporting performance on the world stage.

The Australian Olympic team in Beijing consists of 433 athletes. Of these, there are 262 current or former AIS athletes.

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC), on behalf of the Australian Government, invests in and supports our Olympians and Paralympians in many ways.

In addition to the $18.1 million the ASC provided to the AIS in 2007/08, the ASC also funded the athletes’ sports to the tune of $53.4 million in 2007/08.

Furthermore, the ASC provided direct funding totalling $4.3 million to more than 400 athletes in 2007/08 — vital support for athletes in their preparation for sporting success. This represents a total Australian government investment of $75.8 million in 2007/08 for our Olympians and Paralympians. The ASC is committed to providing all Australians with the best opportunity possible to participate in sport.

Contacts:

David Packwood, AIS Media Officer (02) 62141476 or 0408 417894

* The AIS is a major division of the Australian Sports Commission, contributing to Australia’s sporting success for over 25 years.